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Cryopreserved Liquid Amnion Product vs. Powder (Lyophilized) Amnion Product

By Bree Valensin, DVM

As equine veterinarians, we are often faced with navigating an overwhelming marketplace of biologics, supplements, and adjunctive therapies, each with varying levels of efficacy and practicality. In an industry saturated with countless products promising specialized benefits, finding something that genuinely delivers across multiple disciplines of care is rare.

RenoVo® has become one of those tools in my practice.

While many regenerative products are traditionally associated with soft tissue injury or joint maintenance alone, I have found RenoVo® demonstrates clinical utility far beyond those conventional applications. I have incorporated it into a wide range of therapeutic protocols, including ophthalmic support, nebulization therapy, and intravenous administration aimed at promoting overall systemic wellness and recovery. Having a single therapeutic option that is both accessible and adaptable across so many areas of care has proven truly invaluable.

What distinguishes RenoVo® most is its ability to integrate the most beneficial qualities of numerous regenerative and supportive therapies into one refined product. It simplifies that landscape without compromising clinical performance. Throughout my experience utilizing it in practice, I have observed meaningful improvements not only in recovery and athletic longevity, but also in the overall vitality and long-term health of my equine patients.

Perhaps most significantly, RenoVo® has proven especially valuable for aging horses and those affected by metabolic conditions where corticosteroid use may be limited or contraindicated altogether. These patients often require a far more nuanced and conscientious care strategy. Having a product that supports healing, comfort, and physiologic resilience without heavy reliance on steroids has been extraordinarily beneficial. Witnessing these horses maintain soundness, comfort, and quality of life well into their later years has been deeply rewarding.

To me, RenoVo® is an investment in the longevity, wellness, and sustained performance of the horses entrusted to our care.

 

About the Author

Bree Valensin, DVM is an equine veterinarian based in Weatherford, Texas and founder of Valensin Equine. She earned her veterinary degree from Midwestern University in Phoenix and brings extensive experience working with performance horses. She has incorporated RenoVo® into her therapeutic protocols at her discretion across a wide range of equine cases.

RenoVo® is a liquid, acellular, equine amniotic tissue allograft comprised of amnion and amniotic fluid, intended to supplement and protect tissues. Clinical decisions regarding its use are made at the discretion of the attending veterinarian.

Amniotic tissue contains naturally occurring elements such as growth factors, cytokines, extracellular matrix proteins, and exosomes. These components are intrinsic to the native structure of the amniotic membrane and fluid and may be beneficial in supporting tissue environments when properly preserved.

Cryopreservation is designed to maintain the original biological characteristics of the tissue by avoiding the drying and sterilization steps that can alter protein structure. In contrast, lyophilization may lead to degradation and reduced stability of sensitive biological components during the drying, rehydration, and sterilization processes. 1

 

Comparing Preservation Methods: Cryopreservation vs. Lyophilization

Characteristic Cryopreserved Amnion Lyophilized Amnion
End Form Liquid Powder
Preparation Thawing required Rehydration required
Storage Conditions Frozen Room temperature
Sterilization Not required May be required
Biological Component Retention Higher retention May be reduced
Protein Stability Preserves Stability Higher risk of denaturation

 

Clinical Context: Interpreting Publicly Available Data

In a publicly referenced clinical study evaluating micronized dehydrated human amnion chorion membrane (dHACM)—a type of lyophilized product—results showed no meaningful difference compared to saline at both 90 and 180 days when evaluating knee pain and function in patients with osteoarthritis. While outcomes can vary based on many factors, these findings emphasize the importance of preservation methods in maintaining biological value. 2

Renovo® does not claim specific clinical outcomes. However, it is processed to preserve the natural biological characteristics of equine amniotic tissue, consistent with its intended use to supplement and protect tissues.

 

Why Renovo® Uses Cryopreservation

Renovo® is an acellular, equine amniotic tissue allograft manufactured under Current Good Tissue Practice (cGTP) guidelines. It is cryopreserved to:

  • Help maintain biological consistency across batches
  • Eliminate the need for rehydration or additional sterilization
  • Provide a product that is consistent in composition and ready-to-use upon thawing

Renovo® is intended for equine use to supplement and protect tissues. It is not a stem cell product and contains no live cells. The formulation preserves a blend of biological components intrinsic to amniotic tissue.

 

Summary for Veterinary Professionals

  • Not all preservation methods are the same—biological consistency may vary depending on processing.
  • Cryopreserved amnion helps retain native protein and tissue structure.
  • Renovo® offers a cryopreserved, acellular allograft that is ready for use and supports tissue handling consistency.
  • Renovo® is labeled and marketed exclusively to supplement and protect tissues, without claims of therapeutic or clinical effect.

 

Want to Learn More?

Renovo® is intended solely to supplement and protect tissues. Any decisions regarding product usage should be made at the discretion of the veterinarian.

If you'd like to learn more or connect with a colleague who has experience using Renovo® in practice, we welcome you to fill out a contact form here.

 
 

 

1. Acta Ophthalmol  2009 Jun;87(4):396-403. Effects of Lyophilization on Human Amniotic Membrane

2. Study referencing clinical data at 90 and 180 days: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03485157?term=mimedx&page=2&rank=11&tab=results

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